Jeffrey Dean Blog

Patty Funk was a girl I knew in third grade. I think she was probably my first crush. One day I decided to tell her how much I liked her. But instead of using words, I simply used my lips. I walked up behind her while she was sitting on the swing at school and kissed her on the check. In return, she revealed her true feelings for me. That was the day everyone at school knew that Patty Funk blacked my eye.

Of course I eventually got over my crush of the “boy bruiser.” But for several days my black eye was a visible reminder to me (and to everyone else) of the pain I was feeling, both physically and emotionally. In short, I couldn’t hide the reality of my hurt.

While in Texas this week, I had many intense conversations with teens. Eating disorders, cutting, divorce, sex, and bullying were just a few of the topics some shared with me with which they were struggling. On the outside, these teens looked as though all was well. Unlike my elementary escapade with Patty, there are many teens who go from one day to the next never allowing others to see the very real pain they are experiencing. Could this be you?

If so, I want to encourage you to find someone to talk with NOW! Don’t think that you can figure it all out on your own. Don’t believe that if you ignore the situation in time it will fade to normal like my black and blue right eye eventually did. And, don’t buy one of these lies: No one will understand what I’m going through.  People will think badly of me.  I will be embarrassed.

If you are hurting, are confused about where your life is going, or are just in pursuit of a few answers to life’s situations and struggles, go get help now. Find a parent, a teacher, a pastor, or a friend and tell this person that you need their attention. If this person does not take you seriously, find another. Your struggle is no joke. But you can’t get help and hope until you choose to go get it.

If you need me to help you find help, email me and let me know.